Houma-Terrebonne Housing Authority
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
March 27, 2025 Minutes
The regular meeting for the Houma-Terrebonne Housing Authority was held March 27, 2025
at 3:00 p.m. in Senator Circle at 124 K Senator Circle, Houma, Louisiana.
Chairperson Hebert called the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 3:00 p.m. followed by the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairperson Hebert stated that this is the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners.
Upon roll call, the following Commissioners were recorded as present:
Commissioners: G. Burke, J. Boykin, D. Sherman, D. Picou and C. Hebert
Absent: None
Also present: Mrs. Nikita Gilton, Executive Director, Ms. Naquada Jefferson, Assistant
Director, Mr. Jamie McDaniels, Sulzer Group, Mr. Brandon Decuir, Legal, Mr. Chris LeCompte, HFD, Mrs. Tiffany Stokes, Housing Supervisor, Ms. Tamara Matthews, Procurement, and Councilman Carl Harding, TPCG.
Continuing with the agenda, Item #4, Order of the Day/ Approval of Agenda; Mrs. Gilton said the agenda should proceed as published.
Continuing with the agenda, Item #5, Public Comment; Richard Ashton of AMD Development; he said he was there today to propose a strategy that they have successfully done in other areas. He has developed thousands of units by doing a public private partnership and deploying federal resources and private investments together to mend the social fabric of communities and to revitalize communities and to allow residents to stay in place.
The program they are proposing for Bayou Towers is utilizing federal housing tax credit. Their initial analysis shows that they can bring tens of millions of dollars of private investments to completely gut all the way down to the steel and the concrete structure and build a brand new, amazing, high quality, high end Senior Development and invite Seniors to come back and live in the community they enjoy, that they want the resources that is something that’s an amazing asset to the Housing Authority and also the city. Mr. Ashton said in this, they are not proposing any request for funding from the Housing Authority, other than the federal funding they bring in through the tax credit program.
As part of their process, he said they do need to do a thorough evaluation. The need to send in a team of structural engineers to determine what parts of the building they can use and cannot use. That really is the first step. If it is determined that the building cannot be used or what parts can be they can still roll with parts of the building into the eligible basis. That’s a technicality in the calculation but for the simple math and just for the current estimate is that the value of the tower brings approximately ten million dollars of private investments to that particular property. As an example, if you gave them a piece of land anywhere in Houma and five million dollars cash in a grant, he said he could build them anything. He does not think there is anyone else that could. If they revitalize the existing building, they can take advantage of rolling the value of the asset into the program to receive the federal funds that were specifically designated for housing. This is under a program, created by Reagan. Both sides of the aisle like this program. Their current administration owns one of the largest developments that has ever been developed that uses this program. There is no threat of the resource they are proposing.
Vice Chairperson Picou said his three minutes were up but he was going to extend his time. Motion to extend time Vice Chairperson Picou, seconded by Commissioner Boykin.
Mr. Ashton said they feel that the resources that are design specifically for housing should be evaluated and further to see if it is truly feasible. They will take all of the cost with it. They will send in a team of engineers and will determine if this is structural sound. Their licensed structural engineers can make that determination. They have design team that can create a proposal. They will do all that at their cost. If he is wrong, he loses the money. If they are right, they can preserve a building that preserves a social fabric of Houma and invites residents to come and enjoy a place they will like to live. They can do that with federal resources. They think it is an amazing asset. They would like to begin the evaluation process so that they can further clarify and give a proper proposal about what can be done/what can’t be done. They are not asking for any money or to pay for any cost. They will provide HTHA with all of their third-party studies and all of their analysis.
Commissioner Boykin asked if they went all around the country doing this. Mr. Ashton said they really focus in Texas and New Mexico. They have local developer relationships that as they expand and look for opportunities. He said the tower in Houma is very unique that it is an existing building. This program also works for just pure land development but that works in areas that you have a higher area medium income. In areas that there’s a lower area medium income there is a deficit in funding. What is amazing is that deficit in funding is bridged by the value of that existing structure. The federal government gives you credit for the basis of that existing structure which generates at least 10 million dollars but it is a federal program that you can do. It is under Section 42 of the tax credit.
Regarding the Highrise, Commissioner Boykin asked what has the board already ruled upon. Mrs. Gilton said there is a Section 18 application that she submitted in 2021. Bayou Towers is only approved to demo. It was not approved to be sold. They had a meeting with HUD. In order for the Housing Authority to even entertain it, the application would have to be changed. The application she completed September 2021 was approved February of last year. HUD was supposed to be at this meeting but under the new administration there is an executive order where they cannot travel. Mrs. Gilton said the only thing that can do is tell her to go back and revise the application and hope for them to move quick on it. Mrs. Gilton said it is not like they do not want to do with them; HUD Chicago field office has the final say.
Mr. Ashton said if there is not a hard date, a drop dead date to demo, he has worked with HUD on thousands of units, they need permission because they want to work together as a team but they have legal experts that they will hire and pay for that can go and evaluate options, look at what are the possibilities and set those options before them and see if they can extend or not. Then go down a path of looking at redevelopment that way you clearly understand what your options are.
Mrs. Gilton said last year the board asked her to look for land because they did not want to rebuild there. She wanted to make sure they were clear on that. Chairperson Hebert said they are clear on that but it is her understanding they are having a big problem on finding land. Mrs. Gilton said correct. They also said they did not want a high-rise when they did the tour from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. She said she wanted to make sure they are clear. Whatever they task her with that is what she wants to make sure she is doing.
Commissioner Boykin asked how much will it cost to demo that building. Mrs. Gilton said she thinks about 13 million, roughly. They cannot do anything with the building. They are waiting for FEMA to do their assessment. She is not trying to offset any of the funds. Even if they had the money, they could not demo the building because all of Terrebonne Parish Emergency equipment is on top of the building. They cannot move forward with a demo plan until they receive Terrebonne Parish Demo plan and they are waiting on FEMA just like HTHA. It is going to sit in limbo for a while. Mr. Ashton said so there is time. They might have time to investigate options because it will take them time to do that. Commissioner Boykin said he was wondering if it was going to cost 13 million to demo and they have someone that want to buy it, it makes business sense to him.
Jamie McDaniels, Sulzer Group, said there are a lot of different factors. He said if they could not spend the money to demo and put the money and have housing that would be amazing. They do need to get through the FEMA process. He believes they need to entertain all ideas. Mrs. Gilton said she is open. Mr. McDaniels said going through the FEMA process, federal process, if they change direction right now, it can throw the FEMA process off. He is not saying they can’t do that, it is not his decision but they are in a process right now until they get an answer from FEMA. Right now, they are going through the 50% evaluation analysis. Then an application is called 428 is submitted. That 428 process is to have funds to do what you need to do with it, as long as you tell them what that process is. They are getting closer in the FEMA process, right now they are not there.
Mr. McDaniels said finding land has been difficult. He has met with several realtors and land owners. When they see it is the Housing Authority, not thinking about what the potential opportunity is, they are not really open to that. Mrs. Gilton requested that the Engineering firm, Broadmoor Design Group, to look at demoing Bayou Towers and developing in that area with some sort of housing unit. Mrs. Gilton said that is what she gave them at the last meeting. Mr. McDaniels said if they could not demo and not have to pay that money and could invest that into property somewhere else that would be the perfect scenario but they aren’t in the position right now where they can allow someone to go in the building and do an assessment. He put that in an email and said it on the phone that they could potentially jeopardize funding if they change direction right now. The other part is because it is federal money. If they were going to do that, they would have to put solicitations out and allow everyone the opportunity to do the same thing. They have to be open and fair about it. He believes it’s a potential win win in the end if this is the scenario, if getting it to pass. The number one priority is getting people back into housing as quickly as possible.
Mr. Ashton said the process for redevelopment could take some time to go through the federal process. It is faster than FEMA but it is not half the time. If they were to proceed on a hypothetical that they building structure could be safe all the way down to the stud, they would go at risk of the legal of running hypothetical. They would not enter the building. They would not need to enter the building until it is cleared then they would do the final structure study. Then they could present an option that they could keep the money to build more housing in another place and redevelop. With that strategy they would not need to enter the building. They would only need to do that before they do the plans because they would have to send the structural engineers. There is a lot they need to do through prepping to get the federal credits allocated to the building as a condition. Then it is always at the option of the board. They have money on the table. If they decide not to proceed with it and tear it down, they can walk away from the money and tear it down. He still thinks that makes good business sense. Mrs. Gilton said per procurement policy whatever they extend to them; it has to be extended to everybody. Commissioner Boykin said they have to open the door for everybody.
Mr. McDaniels said one of the key points he said was they can buy other land. Buying other land is where they have really ran into a lot of roadblocks. They have been working with a realtor pretty extensively. The problem is the Housing Authority procuring the land. Mr. Ashton said particularly what happens in private public partnership, which is something he is doing with the Houston. They have in their procurement policy where private developments can propose and they can go through a process. They have where land that is owned by the city that they can open for RFP’s and RFQ’s. They would like to submit an RFQ, if there were one open. He said they could do whatever they want to do with the money. They do not have to go find land and buy it. Mr. McDaniels said they have to build units. They have to find a way to have the same amount of units because of HUD. That is the requirement. Mr. Ashton said if they have less the demo cost, he is sure that opens up more opportunities. That is a lot of land. Mr. McDaniels said the problem is not about how much money they have to buy the land; it is who is buying the land. Mr. Ashton said he would open up a RFQ for a private developer in all of Louisiana and invite them to secure sites and bring them to them. That is what every other Housing Authority does.
Continuing with the agenda, Item #6, Approval of Minutes from January 28, 2025 regular board meeting; motioned to approve by Commissioner Sherman, seconded by Vice Chairperson Picou. Chairperson Hebert called for the vote:
UPON ROLL CALL THERE WAS RECORDED
YEAS: G. Burke, J. Boykin, D. Sherman, D. Picou, and C. Hebert
NAYS: None
ABSTAINING: None
ABSENT: None Motion carried
Continuing with the agenda, Item #7, Bills and Communications, Item #7A, Approval of Pay
Vouchers for the period of January 11, 2025-March 14, 2025; motioned to approve by Vice Chairperson Picou, seconded by Commissioner Burke. Chairperson Hebert called for the vote:
UPON ROLL CALL THERE WAS RECORDED
YEAS: G. Burke, J. Boykin, D. Sherman, D. Picou, and C. Hebert
NAYS: None
ABSTAINING: None
ABSENT: None Motion carried
Continuing with the agenda, Item #7B, Monthly Financials-November 2024; Item #7B1, Memo from Fee Accountant to Board of Commissioners; Item #7B2, Balance Sheet for November 2024; Item #7B3,Income and Expense Statements for November 2024; Item #7B4,Public Housing Financial Assessment Score for the month of November 2024; Item #7B5,Bank Reconciliation.
Continuing with the agenda, Item #7C, Monthly Financials-December 2024; Item #7C1, Memo from Fee Accountant to Board of Commissioners; Item #7C2, Balance Sheet for December 2024; Item #7C3,Income and Expense Statements for December 2024; Item #7C4,Public Housing Financial Assessment Score for the month of December 2024; Item #7C5,Bank
Reconciliation.
Continuing with the agenda, Item #8, Report of Secretary/ Executive Director—Mrs. Gilton asked the Commissioners to let Naquada know if they would like to attend the LHC Conference by April 1st.
Mrs. Gilton said she will be at a National Hurricane Conference the third week in April.
Mrs. Gilton reported that about 20 buildings did not make the 50% calculation with FEMA. Chairperson Hebert asked if the new Commissioner knew about that and that she might want to explain it to him. Mrs. Gilton said OK. They do not have to demo all of the units in Senator Circle because they did not meet the 50% rule. Mr. McDaniels said there are two 50% they have to look at; one is through public assistance and if it is more than 50% to repair FEMA will pay for it to be replaced. They still have not receive the approval for the replacement on the ones that do meet the 50%. The other 50% is called substantially damaged and that is through the National Flood Program. What they are doing right now, is the ones they do not think will make at 50%, they are working on getting a scope of work and getting the cost to repair them. That repair goes to the market value so if it is more than 50% to repair then they are substantially damaged and those units will have to be elevated to meet the National Flood Insurance Program. If it is less than 50%, then they can be repaired. The idea scenario is any that is not substantially damaged, with approval, the insurance money and potential Capital Improvement Funds could be used and those units would be pulled out of the FEMA public assistance program. It seems like that will be the fastest way to get those back up and running. They shifted gears a few weeks ago. They met with the architect last week on Friday. They are aggressively pursuing that. Mrs. Gilton has been pressing on him to get some answers as soon as possible.
Chairperson Hebert asked how soon could they start on the units. Mr. McDaniels said as soon as they get a scope of work. It is difficult because those units aren’t in one area. If they don’t meet the 50% with FEMA they do give the repair cost. Once they get the numbers and see where the locations are, the architect will put together a packet as to where they would be located. Mrs. Gilton said they need to bring back something. The residents have the right to return and if they don’t, they go to the next person. Once that is completed, they will start with the waiting list.
Mr. McDaniels said Bayou Towers is getting close to the end of that process. They will know something. But in the meantime, they are still pushing forward.
Mrs. Gilton reported that all the gas lines will be removed in Senator Circle but before they can start the work, it has to be vacated. The two grievance residents are still on the property. Until then, it is going to be pushed back. Vice Chairperson Picou said she might want to explain to Commissioner Boykin. Mrs. Gilton said a few residents filed a grievance. They were supposed to move out by August 31st. The Housing Authority assisted with the voucher program in 2021. They did not utilize their voucher. Wisconsin did not renew them because they lost the admin fees. Those not using their voucher had to go apply at TPCG. TPCG also had a shortfall because of the Housing Authority residents that did not use the vouchers. It is not the Housing Authority fault that they did not utilize their vouchers and she is not saying it is their fault but the Housing Authority could not renew vouchers when they chose not to use it. Commissioner Boykin asked how many residents. Mrs. Gilton said two are left. Rent and utilities has not been paid. A settlement was made. Chairperson Hebert said housing was found for them in Morgan City. Housing was also found for them in Thibodaux, Mrs. Gilton said. They refused. Commissioner Boykin asked how did they settle and they are still there. Mr. Decuir said part of the resolution is that they had to identify housing for them to move to. The rest of it, since it is still involved in litigation, they would need to go into executive session to talk about the next steps.
Mrs. Gilton reported that a few weeks back; while passing Bayou Towers, she noticed trucks inside of Bayou Towers. It was some contractors that were contracted to Terrebonne Parish to add a utility pole and a generator. Staff did not know what was going on. The code at Bayou Towers is only given to staff, Fire Chief and Police Chief and they give it to whoever works for them in their department. Contractor and subcontractors do not get the code. There was a lot going on with stuff coming up missing at both sites and a lot of damages. She did speak to the Fire Chief and he was very apologetic and said he would take care of it. The code was changed at Bayou Towers. There are improvements being done at Bayou Towers and it is still on the condemnation list. They are still trying to condemn the building but there is work still being done at Bayou Towers. Of course, the equipment is still on top of Bayou Towers as well. With that being said, the Housing Authority cannot complete their demo plan because they need the Parish plan with what they are going to go with the emergency equipment that is on top of Bayou Towers. She does not want the board to think that the demo plan is not being work upon. It just can’t be completed until the Housing Authority knows their plan. Their plan has to be a part of the Housing Authority plan. Chairperson Hebert said evidently, they cannot do it right now. Mrs. Gilton said they should have an update mid-April.
Mrs. Gilton reported that the Housing Authority had an audit with GOHSEP. The information was included in their packet. A recommendation made is that an inventory plan is needed for GOHSEP.
Mrs. Gilton reported that at the next meeting they will have a hard copy of the audit. The annual audit was in January. Chairperson Hebert asked if that went well. Mrs. Gilton said yes, there were no findings. They are mailing the hard copy, so she will give the board a copy, HUD a copy and also the Parish President.
Mrs. Gilton reported that a vehicle was purchased for Duson Housing Authority.
Mrs. Gilton reported that she spoke with Mr. Ed Trapolin and Mrs. Janelle from the HAIG regarding the lawsuit with Steven Layne with the modulars and lot rent. They did appeal the judge ruling. Once she receives an update, she will let them know.
Continuing with the agenda, Item #9, Reminder of State of Louisiana requirement that all public servants (HTHA employees and board members) receive one hour of ethics training each year. The link is in the packet.
Continuing with the agenda, Item #10, Reminder to HTHA Board of Commissioners completing the annual Tier 2.1 Personal Financial Disclosure Statement on or before May 15, 2025.
Continuing with the agenda, Item #11, Discussion and possible action relative to Resolution No. D-1072-25, adopting Duson Housing Authority Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget for FY beginning 4/01/2025 and ending 3/31/2026; motioned to approve by Vice Chairperson Picou, seconded by Commissioner Sherman. Chairperson Hebert called for the vote:
UPON ROLL CALL THERE WAS RECORDED
YEAS: G. Burke, J. Boykin, D. Sherman, D. Picou, and C. Hebert
NAYS: None
ABSTAINING: None
ABSENT: None Motion carried
Continuing with the agenda, Item #12, Discussion and possible action relative to Resolution No. D-1073-25, authorizing advertisement for public review and 45-day comment period, the Duson Housing Authority’s Draft 2022 Annual Action Plan and Five-Year Plan; motioned to approve by Commissioner Sherman; seconded by Vice Chairperson Picou. Chairperson Hebert called for the vote:
UPON ROLL CALL THERE WAS RECORDED
YEAS: G. Burke, J. Boykin, D. Sherman, D. Picou, and C. Hebert
NAYS: None
ABSTAINING: None
ABSENT: None Motion carried
Continuing with the agenda, Item #13, Discussion and possible action relative to Resolution No. 1074-25, authorizing advertisement for public review and 45-day comment period, the Houma Terrebonne Housing Authority’s Draft 2025 Annual Action Plan and Five-Year Plan; motioned to approve by Commissioner Sherman, seconded by Commissioner Burke. Chairperson Hebert called for the vote:
UPON ROLL CALL THERE WAS RECORDED
YEAS: G. Burke, J. Boykin, D. Sherman, D. Picou, and C. Hebert
NAYS: None
ABSTAINING: None
ABSENT: None Motion carried
Continuing with the agenda, Item #14, Discussion and possible action relative to Resolution No. 1075-25, proclaiming May 8, 2025 as State Employee Recognition Day; motioned to approve by Vice Chairperson Picou, seconded by Commissioner Burke. Chairperson Hebert called for the vote:
UPON ROLL CALL THERE WAS RECORDED
YEAS: G. Burke, J. Boykin, D. Sherman, D. Picou, and C. Hebert
NAYS: None
ABSTAINING: None
ABSENT: None Motion carried
Continuing with the agenda, Item #15, Discussion and possible action relative to Resolution No. 1076-25, relative to Houma Terrebonne Housing Authority Authorization of sale of surplus property to highest bidder; Mrs. Gilton said it is in the packet. Motioned to approve by Commissioner Burke, seconded by Vice Chairperson Picou. Chairperson Hebert called for the vote:
UPON ROLL CALL THERE WAS RECORDED
YEAS: G. Burke, J. Boykin, D. Sherman, D. Picou, and C. Hebert
NAYS: None
ABSTAINING: None
ABSENT: None Motion carried
Continuing with the agenda, Item #16, Discussion and possible action relative to Resolution No. 1077-25, updating HTHA authorized names and signatures for issuing and signing checks by adding HTHA Commissioner Jerome Boykin and deleting former HTHA Commissioner Larry Vauclin; motioned to approve by Commissioner Boykin, seconded by Commissioner Burke. Chairperson Hebert called for the vote:
UPON ROLL CALL THERE WAS RECORDED
YEAS: G. Burke, J. Boykin, D. Sherman, D. Picou, and C. Hebert
NAYS: None
ABSTAINING: None
ABSENT: None Motion carried
Continuing with the agenda, Item #17, Discussion and possible action relative to updating the Houma Terrebonne Housing Authority profile on certain accounts, the Pledge Agreement and Savings Certificate, at South Louisiana Bank of Houma, Louisiana and Synergy Bank of Houma, LA in order to make current the names of authorized signers (Nikita Gilton, Cheryl Chauvin-Hebert, Michael “Gene “ Burke, Donald Sherman, Danny Picou and Jerome Boykin) on these account and removing all others; motioned to approve by Vice Chairperson Picou, seconded by Commissioner Sherman. Chairperson Hebert called for the vote:
UPON ROLL CALL THERE WAS RECORDED
YEAS: G. Burke, J. Boykin, D. Sherman, D. Picou, and C. Hebert
NAYS: None
ABSTAINING: None
ABSENT: None Motion carried
Continuing with the agenda, Item #18, Discussion and possible action relative to task order by Broadmoor Design Group evaluating the land located at 7490 Park Ave; Houma, LA 70364 and 7510 Park Ave; Houma, LA 70364; Mrs. Gilton said they were trying to build there but it is not going to be cost effective to move forward. Mr. McDaniels said it is cost prohibited because of being on the bayou and the work that would have to be done for four units. It wouldn’t be the best use of the money.
Continuing with the agenda, Item #19, Discussion and possible action relative demolition plan for Bayou Towers by Broadmoor Design Group; Mr. McDaniels reported that Broadmoor Design Group started with the preliminary. They have a major portion of the demolition plan. It can’t be completed until they find out what is going to happen with the communication equipment. He knows there is still a lot left. If they are going to demolish it and potentially rebuild, repurpose the land or sale the land, they want to have a plan in place. That is all eligible through the FEMA funding. The demolition plan is part of the project. As of right now, they can’t go any further until they get the plan from the Parish as to what they are going to do with the emergency communication equipment.
Continuing with the agenda, Item 20, Commissioner Comments; There were none.
Continuing with the agenda, Item 21, Next Regular Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 22, 2025; 3:00 p.m., 124 K Senator Circle; Houma, LA 70363
Continuing with the agenda, Item #22, Adjournment; Motioned to approve by Commissioner Sherman, seconded by Vice Chairperson Picou. Chairperson Hebert called for the vote:
UPON ROLL CALL THERE WAS RECORDED
YEAS: G. Burke, J. Boykin, D. Sherman, D. Picou, and C. Hebert
NAYS: None
ABSTAINING: None
ABSENT: None Motion carried
Meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.